Rejection of casino stands after recount in Palmer

PALMER — There was no change in the outcome after a 6-hour recount of the ballots from the Nov. 5 casino referendum.

While the number of yes votes was one less than previously tallied, the result was the same with a count of 2,563 yes votes and 2,657 no votes.

That news, along with word that Mohegan Sun is negotiating to building a resort casino at Suffolk Downs in Revere, has casino supporters disappointed.

Mohegan Sun, some say, is tying up a parcel prime for casino development and some, including Jennifer Baruffaldi from Citizens for Jobs and Growth in Palmer, worried about what might happen if MGM is not given a license.

MGM Springfield was chosen by Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and his advisory committee but the company still faces tough scrutiny by the state before a gaming license could be issued and some are doubtful that will happen.

Town Administrator Charles Blanchard said with the second count upholding the failed vote, he will be back at work as usual. While there won't be a plethora of jobs coming to town with a resort casino, he is optimistic about the future of Palmer.

"Sherwood Industries got a grant for an industrial rail extension," Mr. Blanchard said, adding that other companies have added a handful of jobs, as well.

The tedious recount of votes cast earlier this month included a familiar central Massachusetts face: Madaline I. Daoust from Southbridge said she volunteered to help with the recount because she had experience in that area.

Ms. Daoust had to take part in a a 2010 recount which ended with a court-ordered "do-over." In the end Peter J. Durant, R-Spencer, prevailed over incumbent Geraldo Alicea, D-Charlton.

"I never met her before today but we talked on the phone," Ms. Daoust said. "I think it's good to have someone to talk to."

The casino measure was initially defeated 2,657 to 2,564 in the Nov. 5 vote. The would-be casino developers and local residents who had been lobbying for the $1 billion gaming facility to be sited just off the Massachusetts Turnpike petitioned for a second count of the ballots.

Contact Kim Ring at kring@telegram.com. Follow her on Twitter @kimmring